Jeff McLaud is taking advantage of the ice still on the Cedar River to fill some holes in his houseboat.

"About the only time I can get out here is when the ice is frozen," said McLaud. "It's a little harder when there's open water."

But before the open water comes the thaw -- and that can cause problems for houseboat owners. Ice jams can form when the river starts to break up. Two years ago it caused several streets in Cedar Rapids to flood.